Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has challenged Nigerian students to move beyond acquiring knowledge and focus on developing technology-driven solutions capable of addressing national challenges and driving economic growth.
Tijani gave the charge during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The state-of-the-art facility, established by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative, is equipped with advanced laboratories for Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Speaking before students, academics, alumni and other stakeholders, the minister described the hub as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that innovation is driven by people rather than physical infrastructure.
“Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people,” Tijani said. “Long before these facilities were built, this university had already produced innovators, leaders and talented individuals who have contributed significantly to our country.”
According to him, the innovation hub was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application by providing students with a platform to transform ideas into real-world solutions.
He noted that in an era where information is readily accessible through digital platforms, the real challenge for young people is no longer obtaining knowledge but applying it effectively.
“Knowledge today is ubiquitous. Much of what is taught in classrooms can also be accessed online. The real challenge is how to apply that knowledge to solve problems and create value,” he said.
Tijani explained that innovation centres such as the Renewed Hope–NITDA Hub are intended to encourage experimentation, creativity and entrepreneurship among students, enabling them to develop solutions that address societal needs while contributing to national development.
“If you want to learn how to build a helicopter today, Generative AI can provide the information,” he said. “The question is whether you can turn that knowledge into action. Facilities like this exist to help students move from learning to building.”
The minister urged students, faculty members and alumni to ensure the hub is fully utilised and maintained, warning against allowing the facility to become an underused asset.
He further emphasised that Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading digital economy depends largely on the capacity of its young population to innovate and create technology-based solutions.
“Government can create opportunities and provide support, but if young people do not apply their knowledge to solve problems, we will struggle to achieve our goals as a nation,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor A.S. Bamire, commended Tijani and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, for their commitment to advancing digital transformation within the institution.
Bamire highlighted several interventions facilitated by the minister, including the donation of 50 laptops to students, a $1,000 support fund for student innovators and plans to deploy a 30-kilometre fibre-optic network to improve internet connectivity across the university.
He described Tijani as a valued stakeholder whose contributions continue to positively impact teaching, learning and innovation within the university community.
The vice-chancellor also praised NITDA for providing critical digital infrastructure and innovation facilities that have enhanced the institution’s capacity for technology-driven learning, research and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the agency’s interventions have strengthened students’ digital literacy, expanded opportunities for innovation and positioned the university to better prepare graduates for the demands of the digital economy.
The Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub is part of broader efforts by NITDA to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, promote digital skills development and equip young Nigerians with the tools needed to compete in the global technology landscape.
By providing access to advanced technologies and hands-on learning opportunities, the initiative is expected to nurture innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship among students while supporting Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-based digital economy.
